Sesimbra Setubal, Evora full day tour
Program
We leave Lisbon crossing “25 Abril” bridge over Tagus river and have a superb view.
As we approach the countryside we will be pleasantly surprised by a unique scenery of huge pine forests, eucalyptus and cork trees.
We go up the hill to visit the XII century castle of Sesimbra, lying at the foothills of Serra da Arrábida.
Stop to enjoy the beautiful view over the ocean, Sesimbra beach and scenery of this picturesque fishing town.

We then go up to Arrabida mountain - a unique nature reserve on the highest cliffs of the Portuguese coast, providing splendid panoramic views over Lisbon, Setubal, Sado river estuary, Troia peninsula and the ocean. Arrábida Natural Park is a beautiful protected area covered with pine trees and rich Mediterranean vegetation, including many rare species. Down below, the crystal-clear waters of the sheltered snow-white sandy beaches.
This promenade will let us see from the road the old farms, once the dwelling of noblemen from Lisbon. Stop at Setubal, an important fishing harbour, where once again we can watch the typical Portuguese fishing boats. On the Rio Sado waterfront are the docks, the marina and the fishing harbor, where brisk auctions take place every morning when the fishermen have unloaded the day's catch.

Drive across the largest cork region in the world for an exciting journey into the past. Evora is one of Portugal's finest and most delightful towns. It is a true open-air museum with a large number of wonderfully preserved monuments and buildings of public interest. The whitewashed houses, arches, and twisting alleyways that characterize the town reflect the Moorish presence. Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showing off its Roman and Moorish history.
The main square, Praça do Giraldo is now filled with shops and cafés, and surrounded by attractive townhouses with wrought-iron balconies, adorned with medieval arches and is an ideal place to relax and do some people-watching. From there, the pedestrian Rua 5 de Outubro (lined with souvenir shops) leads to the Roman temple, Loios Convent and the Sé (cathedral), built in 1186. Adjacent to the cathedral is the City Museum, representing Evora's long history.
The roman temple of Diana, dating from the 2nd century, it is one of the Iberian Peninsula's best preserved Roman monuments.
A short walk behind the cathedral leads to the Jesuit University, where you can mingle with students and admire this superb XVI century building.
A staircase beside the cathedral leads down towards Porta da Moura Square, a picturesque place. It is surrounded by Moorish architecture.
Amongst all churches, the one that should not be missed is the Church of São Francisco, a Manueline-Gothic structure completed around 1510. After that it is a good idea to take a little break in the delightful public gardens near the church, which are also home to the 16th century Dom Manuel Palace, built in Gothic, Manueline, neo-Moorish, and Renaissance styles.
Outside the city walls is Ermita de São Brás ("Hermitage of St. Blaise"), built in 1485, an extraordinary building that looks like a medieval castle, complete with large battlements, gargoyles, and round buttresses.
Around Evora are also numerous prehistoric monuments - dozens of sizeable Neolithic menhirs, cromlechs, and dolmens.

Travel back to Lisbon by Vasco da Gama bridge, 12 km long, for another unforgettable view of Lisbon and one of the widest estuaries in the world.